Ready to start your Vermont adventure? Use the search form above to compare real-time car rental rates across Vermont. Select your pick-up location (from Burlington Airport to downtown Burlington or even Montpelier and other towns), choose your dates, and hit “Search.” In seconds, you’ll see offers from dozens of rental companies statewide from budget-friendly compacts to spacious SUVs and vans. Booking is fast and secure, with most rentals allowing “reserve now, pay later” and free cancellation if your plans change. Lock in an amazing Vermont car rental deal now, and you’ll be all set to roam from Vermont’s lake shores to mountain roads without hassle.
Introduction: Welcome to Vermont, the “Green Mountain State” celebrated for its lush forests, brilliant fall foliage, maple syrup farms, and charming small towns. Having a rental car in Vermont is the key to experiencing every corner of this scenic state at your own pace. From the shores of Lake Champlain in Burlington to the rolling Green Mountains and quaint villages tucked among them, a car lets you discover it all. This page is your all-in-one guide to renting a car in Vermont. We’ve packed it with money-saving deals, insider local tips, and travel ideas so you can book with confidence and hit the road prepared. Whether you’re flying into Burlington International Airport (BTV), planning a ski weekend in Stowe, or embarking on a fall foliage tour, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle quickly, easily, and affordably. Get ready to explore Vermont on your schedule, with extra savings in your pocket.
Vermont may be geographically small, but its attractions are widespread and often tucked away off the main routes. Public transportation is limited outside a few urban areas, so having your own set of wheels is often essential. Here’s why savvy travelers choose to rent a car when exploring Vermont:
Our Vermont Car Rental Advantages (USPs)
Why book your Vermont ride with AirportVanRental? We specialize in rental vehicles and partner with all major brands in the region to deliver an easy, affordable experience. Here are some of the benefits and guarantees we offer for Vermont car rentals:
Top Vermont Car Rental Deals
Pricing varies by season and location, but here are some example deals to give you an idea of what to expect. All rates shown are base daily rates (“from” prices) for rentals in Vermont. Taxes (~15%) and any applicable fees would be additional, but we always show you the total upfront. These examples assume pick-up at popular locations like Burlington small town locations may vary.
Driving in Vermont: What to Know
Driving in Vermont is very rewarding you’ll experience everything from urban streets in historic Burlington to winding byways through the countryside. To help you stay safe and stress-free, here are key Vermont driving tips, rules, and quirks to be aware of:
Traffic & Rush Hours: Vermont (especially outside the Burlington area) is known for light traffic. Even in the “big city” of Burlington, rush hour is mild: weekday peaks are roughly 7:30–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM. During those times, you might see brief slowdowns on I-89 near exits and on major arteries like Williston Road or Main Street in Burlington but we’re talking delays of 5-15 minutes, not hour-long jams. On holiday weekends (especially summer holidays and during leaf-peeping season in October), traffic can swell on popular routes. For example, expect heavier flows on Friday afternoons heading toward the mountains/lakes, and Sunday afternoons heading away (everyone returning home). Specific pinch points: US-4 through Woodstock can clog during peak foliage weekends, and the approach to the Champlain Bridge (NY border) gets backed up occasionally on summer Fridays. Overall though, Vermont driving is more often characterized by solitude you might have a scenic route all to yourself. Just keep in mind that weather can create its own traffic: a sudden snow squall or icy morning might slow everyone to a cautious crawl (rightly so). If you encounter unexpected traffic, an alternate backroad route often exists and our GPS or a navigation app can help find those. Patience and allowing a bit of extra travel time (especially on peak fall weekends) will serve you well. But truth be told, Vermont’s “traffic” is nothing compared to Boston or New York many locals consider it a traffic jam if they have to wait through two cycles of a stoplight!
City Driving & Parking: Burlington’s street layout is a mix of grid and old New England quirks. Downtown Burlington (around Church Street and the waterfront) is fairly orderly numbered streets run east-west, while named streets run north-south but they do curve and terminate thanks to the hillside and past urban design. Drive attentively and consider using GPS navigation, especially if you’re not used to one-way streets. Burlington has a number of one-ways (e.g., St. Paul St and Pine St form a one-way pair in downtown). Look for “Do Not Enter” and one-way signs at intersections they’re clearly marked, but it’s easy to default to grid thinking when one block over it’s opposite flow. Parking in Burlington and other Vermont towns is generally easy and inexpensive. Burlington has plenty of garages ($8-$15/day) and meters ($1.50/hour, with the first 2 hours free in city garages and free street parking on Sundays). Street parking is limited in some residential areas by permit check signs if you park on a side street near UVM or downtown (you might see “Resident Parking Only” in certain zones). An insider tip: if you’re staying in downtown Burlington and don’t plan to drive out each day, consider parking in a long-term lot or garage it might be cheaper than feeding a meter, and your hotel may have discounts for nearby garage parking. In smaller towns, parking is often free on streets or public lots, except perhaps a nominal fee in peak tourist areas (like $5 for day parking near popular trailheads or ski resort base areas). Winter parking ban: Many Vermont towns (certainly Burlington, Montpelier, etc.) declare overnight parking bans on city streets during snowstorms to allow plowing. Burlington signals this with flashing blue lights on utility poles and announcements (also usually a text alert if you sign up, or check the city website). If a ban is on, you must move your car off the street (use a garage or other designated lot) or risk towing. Keep this in mind if renting a house or Airbnb with only street parking in winter ask the host about their snow emergency plan. Summing up: Vermont’s towns are generally car-friendly, with low-cost parking and manageable traffic just be mindful of one-way signs, parking rules, and the occasional tractor slowing things down on a rural road!
Tolls (Cashless System): Good news: Vermont has no toll highways or standard toll bridges. You can drive the entire length of I-89, I-91, and I-93 in Vermont without paying a cent. The only “tolls” you might encounter in Vermont are for certain scenic drives or park entrances for example, the Mt. Mansfield Toll Road in Stowe (a private mountain road up to the summit, open summer/fall) has a fee per car, and the Burke Mountain Toll Road in the Northeast Kingdom similarly. But these are optional tourist attractions, not part of the highway system. If you venture into neighboring states: New Hampshire has a few tolls on I-93 (around Hooksett/Concord) and the Everett Turnpike they accept cash or E-ZPass. New York has tolls on the Thruway (I-87 south of Albany, and I-90 west) and some bridges to NYC now mostly cashless (license plate billing or E-ZPass). Massachusetts has all-electronic tolling on the Mass Pike (I-90) and the Ted Williams/Sumner tunnels to Logan Airport again, camera-based or E-ZPass. If you don’t have an E-ZPass transponder and you drive on these out-of-state toll roads, the rental company will get the toll bill via your license plate. They will then charge your credit card for the toll plus usually a small admin fee (often $3-5 per toll day, capped per rental). Some rental companies offer a prepaid toll program typically a daily fee ($4-5) that covers all tolls. Whether that’s worth it depends on your route (if you’re just hitting one $1 toll in NH, probably not; if you’re doing a multi-state tour with lots of toll roads, it could be). We recommend: bring your own E-ZPass if you have one it works in all Northeast states (including NY and MA), and you can use it in a rental car (just make sure it’s properly mounted, and you may need to add the rental’s plate number to your online account temporarily). If not, don’t sweat paying via the rental company is okay for a few tolls and saves hassle. One more thing: if you’re heading to Canada (Quebec) from Vermont, there are no tolls on the border crossing or highways to Montréal just have your passport ready and enjoy the drive. In summary, tolls are a minor consideration Vermont itself is toll-free, and our booking process will inform you about rental company toll policies for out-of-state travel so you’re not caught off guard.
“Rotaries” (Roundabouts): Vermont has embraced roundabouts in recent years at certain intersections, though they’re far fewer than, say, in the UK or Europe. Locally, people may still call them “rotaries” or just roundabouts. The rule is simple: traffic already inside the roundabout has the right of way; vehicles entering must yield. As you approach, slow down, look left, and if a car is coming around, let it pass, then enter the circle. Once inside, do not stop you have the right of way until you exit. Use your turn signal when you’re about to exit (signal as you would a right turn). Roundabouts can be intimidating if you’re new to them, but they’re designed to keep traffic flowing safely. Fun fact: Vermont has a notable roundabout at the complex five-way junction in Winooski (just north of Burlington) it’s big and multi-lane; just follow the lane signs (choose inner or outer lane based on where you intend to exit). Smaller single-lane roundabouts exist in towns like Montpelier and Manchester. If you encounter Vermont’s older cousin to the roundabout the “rotary”, it’s essentially the same (some older rotaries are larger and might not have the same yield signage, but the custom is still to yield on entry). Stay calm and yield, and you’ll be fine!
Rules of the Road: In Vermont (as in all of the U.S.), you drive on the right-hand side. Seat belts are mandatory for all drivers and passengers. Child safety seats are required by law for young children (generally, children under 8 must be in an approved car seat or booster appropriate for their size). Right turns on red are allowed (after a full stop) unless a sign specifically says “No Turn on Red.” Be cautious, though Vermont has many intersections in towns where visibility might be limited or pedestrians are present, so always come to a complete stop and yield to anyone in the crosswalk before turning. One lesser-known rule (common in many states): you can turn left on red if you are on a one-way street turning onto another one-way street, but only after stopping and yielding. This scenario isn’t very common outside downtown Burlington, but it exists. Vermont also enforces a hands-free driving law: it’s illegal to hold or use a handheld phone while driving (even at stoplights). Use Bluetooth or speaker mode if you must call, or better yet, pull over to a safe spot to use your device. Police do ticket drivers for distracted driving fines start around $100 and can increase for subsequent offenses. Impaired driving (DUI) laws are strict too: the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, and Vermont conducts sobriety checkpoints especially around holidays. It should go without saying, but don’t drink and drive Vermont’s craft beer scene is amazing, but have a designated driver or limit yourself. Also, yield to pedestrians at crosswalks (this is state law). In many Vermont downtowns (Burlington, Middlebury, Brattleboro, etc.), pedestrians will step into crosswalks expecting cars to stop and you must. They have the right of way once they’re in the crosswalk. Finally, Vermont is a rural state with lots of farm vehicles if you find yourself behind a slow-moving tractor or horse and buggy, be patient. Pass only when it’s safe and legal (wait for a straightaway with a clear passing zone). They often will pull aside when possible to let traffic by. Courtesy and caution go a long way on Vermont’s roads.
Headlights & Wipers: A unique Vermont (and generally Northeast) safety rule: headlights must be on whenever your windshield wipers are in use due to rain, snow, or fog. Essentially, if weather conditions require wipers, turn on those headlights (even in daytime). It’s about visibility both seeing and being seen. Also remember to use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise (common rule in the U.S.). Many newer cars have automatic lights; just ensure they’re actually on in bad weather (sometimes auto setting doesn’t engage in fog, for instance). Failing to comply can result in a fine, and more importantly it’s dangerous Vermont’s scenic roads can be twisty and tree-lined, so visibility matters. In winter, clear all snow and ice off your car (roof, hood, and windows) before driving flying snow from your roof can blind drivers behind you (and yes, Vermont can ticket for that if it’s deemed unsafe). One more winter note: Vermont allows studded snow tires in winter months (and many locals use them), so don’t be startled by the clicking sound of studs on dry pavement. As a renter, you likely won’t have studs (rental cars use all-season tires), but you’ll hear others. And while Vermont doesn’t require it, it’s smart to turn on headlights in heavy rain/snow even during daytime as mentioned, it’s the law if wipers are on. When in doubt, lights on!
Winter Driving: If you’re visiting Vermont in winter (roughly late November through March), be prepared for snowy and icy road conditions. Vermont roads are generally well-plowed and treated after snowstorms, especially highways and main routes, but conditions can still be challenging. Slow down on snow/ice even with an AWD vehicle, physics is physics (AWD helps you go, but doesn’t help you stop any faster on ice). Increase your following distance give 8-10 seconds space instead of the normal 3-4 seconds, because brakes respond slower on slick roads. Avoid sudden turns or braking; gentle, gradual movements are key to maintaining control. All-season tires (which your rental will have) are usually sufficient for moderate snow, but they are not the same as dedicated winter tires so drive cautiously. Tire chains are not commonly used in Vermont (they’re legal for winter use but mostly truckers use them in severe storms; passenger cars rarely do, and rentals won’t provide them). If you hit an extremely bad storm and are not comfortable driving, consider waiting it out Vermont road crews are quite efficient, and often conditions improve a few hours after the snow stops. Keep an eye on weather forecasts; nor’easter blizzards can occasionally dump over a foot of snow in a day, during which travel might be best avoided. If you’re uncomfortable driving in snow, plan your ski trips with a little buffer maybe schedule driving to/from the resort on days without active storms if possible. The good news: sunny winter days with dry roads are common between storms, and a winter drive can be beautiful (frosty forests, snow-draped farmhouses). Just allow extra time and take it slow. One more tip: carry a windshield scraper (your rental should have one) and maybe a small broom for brushing off snow don’t just rely on the car’s defrosters. And if you ever find yourself in a slide, don’t panic ease off the gas, steer gently in the direction you want to go, and avoid stomping the brakes (in ABS-equipped cars, firm braking is okay, but in a slide it’s often better to let the tires roll to regain traction). Vermont’s main roads are well-maintained in winter, but the scenic back roads can be snow-packed decide your route based on comfort. Safety first, always.
Pedestrians & Cyclists: Vermont drivers are generally respectful of pedestrians and cyclists you’ll notice “Yield to Pedestrian” signs at many crosswalks, and state law requires yielding to pedestrians at all marked crosswalks (even if there’s no traffic light). In cities like Burlington and college towns like Middlebury, there are many pedestrians and cyclists year-round. Always stop for people crossing at zebra stripes or intersections; many crosswalks are in the middle of blocks (especially in downtown Burlington). Be cautious of cyclists, especially on rural roads and in warmer months Vermont has a strong bike culture (road biking and mountain biking), and you’ll see cyclists even on winding mountain roads. Give them space when passing Vermont law mandates at least 4 feet of clearance, and on a double-yellow line you are allowed to cross it to pass a slower bicycle when safe. Many secondary roads have narrow shoulders, so you might need to wait briefly for a safe straight stretch to pass a bike be patient, it usually only takes a few seconds. Also, check your mirrors for cyclists before turning or opening your car door when parked (to avoid “dooring” a cyclist). At night, watch for pedestrians in village areas small towns might not have extensive street lighting, and folks often cross streets after dark coming from pubs or events. Essentially, stay alert and share the road kindly. Vermont’s vibe is friendly drivers often stop for people waiting to cross even if it’s not a formal crosswalk (especially if it’s a kid or someone who looks like they need a hand). You don’t have to stop in those cases by law, but many do as a courtesy. If you do, use your hazard lights briefly to signal to cars behind that you’re stopping for a pedestrian. With cyclists, you’ll often see groups touring in fall enjoy the sight, and just pass safely when you can.
Fuel & Gas Stations: Fuel in Vermont is unleaded gasoline (petrol) for most cars, and prices are typically around or slightly below the U.S. national average. As of the latest data, regular unleaded is roughly $3–$4 per gallon (this can fluctuate with global oil prices and by season). It might be a bit more expensive in the Burlington metro area and tourist spots like Stowe, and a bit cheaper in some rural areas or across the river in New Hampshire (which has lower gas tax), but the difference is not huge. Gas stations are readily found in and around towns and along major highways (like the service plazas on I-89 and I-91). In more remote areas (the Northeast Kingdom, mountain passes), they can be farther apart so don’t let your tank get too low when wandering the boonies. Note that in Vermont you pump your own gas (unlike in a couple states like New Jersey). Most stations take credit cards at the pump. Gas is measured in gallons (1 U.S. gallon ≈ 3.785 liters). We recommend refilling the tank before returning your rental to avoid high refueling charges there are gas stations near all major drop-off points (e.g., near Burlington Airport there are a few on Williston Road, though prices right next to the airport might be a few cents higher than 5 miles away). One quirk: a few older pumps might ask for a ZIP code when you insert a credit card (for fraud prevention). As a foreign visitor, if you run into this, you can usually enter “00000” or go inside and pre-pay with the cashier. Many Vermont stations have convenience stores attached don’t miss trying a local snack like maple candy or a cold Moxie soda (a New England classic) when you stop for fuel!
Tight Streets & Parking Etiquette: Many Vermont towns (especially the oldest ones like Burlington, Montpelier, Vergennes) have narrow, old streets laid out in the 18th/19th centuries. When driving through residential areas or village centers, go slow parked cars might narrow the lane, and sight lines at 4-way stop intersections can be limited by buildings close to the road. In downtown Burlington, for instance, some streets are two-way but effectively one-and-a-half car widths if a delivery truck is protruding a bit, you might have to pause to let oncoming traffic go, and that’s okay. Be patient and make eye contact with other drivers when navigating tight spots; a polite wave to signal “you go ahead” is common. When parking on streets in hilly towns (like parts of Burlington or winding roads in Woodstock), Vermont law (and good practice) says to turn your wheels toward the curb when parking on a hill so if the car rolls, it rolls into the curb, not into traffic (turn wheels into the curb when downhill, away from the curb when uphill, if there’s a curb). Always set your parking brake on hills (and even flat in winter, to be safe). Vermont doesn’t have statewide mandated paid parking except in busy centers, so once you’re outside downtowns, you’ll often find free public parking lots by town greens or along streets. If you use an on-street space in winter, note any overnight parking ban times a lot of towns prohibit street parking in the early morning hours (like 2-6 AM) during winter months, even if it’s not actively snowing, to facilitate general plowing. That can catch visitors off guard. Look for signs on the street entrances about winter rules. When opening your car door on a street side, check your mirror for cyclists (again to avoid dooring). If you parallel park, Vermont courtesy is to not block driveways and to center between driveway cutouts to allow maximum use of the curb for others. In downtown areas, adhere to posted time limits some small towns mark tires or use license plate readers to enforce, and tickets can be $10-$25 (not too bad, but avoidable). Overall, Vermont drivers and parkers are pretty chill a little attentiveness and courtesy will get you far.
Emergency Info: Hopefully you won’t need this, but it’s good to know. In any emergency, dial 911 from your cell phone (or any phone). That will connect you to the nearest dispatcher for police, fire, or medical help statewide. Vermont State Police handle areas without local police departments, and they also patrol the highways. If you have a roadside incident (like a breakdown or minor accident) and it’s not an emergency, you can reach state police for non-emergency help via their local barracks numbers (e.g., *#77 is not used in VT as in some states, so just call 911 and tell them it’s non-emergency, or call the specific State Police barracks number listed online depending on region but 911 works if you’re unsure). For rental car roadside assistance, use the number provided by your rental company (often on your key fob or rental contract). They usually have 24/7 service to dispatch a tow or help change a flat. Cell coverage in Vermont is generally good along interstates and in towns, but can be spotty in mountainous or rural pockets (e.g., deep in the Green Mountain National Forest or some hollows in the Northeast Kingdom). It’s handy to keep a physical Vermont state map or download offline maps if you’ll be adventuring off-grid. If you experience a medical issue, Vermont has excellent hospitals in Burlington (UVM Medical Center) and decent ones regionally (Rutland, Springfield, St. Johnsbury, etc.). Small towns often have urgent care clinics. For any wildlife-related incidents on the road (like hitting a deer which unfortunately happens especially at dusk/dawn), call the police to report it; in Vermont you can actually get a permit to keep the deer for meat if you want (no joke!), but either way, alert authorities so they can remove the animal and file a report for insurance. Keep an eye out for moose crossing signs in the northern and eastern parts of Vermont hitting a moose is far more dangerous due to their size (their body can come through the windshield). If you see a moose, brake and give it lots of space; they can be unpredictable. Above all, use common sense: pull fully off the road if you have car trouble, put on hazard lights, etc. Vermonters are quite helpful don’t be surprised if someone stops to check if you’re okay if you’re pulled over in a remote area. It’s not nosiness; it’s neighborliness. Safe travels, and enjoy the journey Vermont is a beautiful state to explore by car!